Local News

LA County Sheriff's Deputy Attacked

LAKEWOOD (CNS) - A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy was suddenly hit from behind by a man at the Lakewood Center shopping mall, and today the deputy remains hospitalized with critical injuries to his head, a sheriff's sergeant said.

The suspect, Frankie Estrada, 21, was booked for suspicion of attempted murder on a peace officer. He was held today in lieu of $1 million bail, said Sgt. Joe Reveles of the sheriff's Lakewood station.

Paramedics rushed the injured deputy to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition with stable life signs, Reveles said.

A domestic disturbance call about 8 p.m. Friday brought deputies to the mall. where they encountered the woman victim, he said. Another deputy went in search for the man who may have been possibly involved in the reported violence.

Estrada turned out to be their suspect, and the single deputy took him into custody inside the mall. As the suspect and deputy were walking towards towards the other deputy, Estrada allegedly -- and unexpectedly -- turned on the arresting deputy and hit him several times.

That knocked the deputy to the ground, and Estrada then allegedly kicked him in the head with his shoe and foot, the sheriff's sergeant said.

A bystander pushed Estrada away from the downed deputy. Assisting deputies arrived and arrested Estrada without further incident, he said.